Is available to give talks on subjects of historical interest to various groups. See list of topics.

Research Center

The research center is open to the public, now with expanded hours! In addition to our regular drop-in hours on Monday - Friday from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., morning appointments are now available by request. Contact us to schedule a visit.

The research center has an extensive array of resources. Drop-ins are welcomed during the afternoon, though researchers with scholarly special projects are encouraged to contact the office ahead of time and make an appointment in order to be better served.

Some reference items may be available for copying at a rate of $0.25/page for photocopies or $0.50/page for microfilm. You may also view our rates for mailing copies here: Mailing Rates.

All State and Federal census schedules are also indexed through familysearch.org; most original images are available for free, but 1915 and 1925 are only available on Ancestry.com and may be subject to fees.

Church Records - as early as 1804, from various churches around the county (some indexed online)

Naturalizations 1821 to 1954 - from 1821 to 1906, most holdings are declarations of intention and final orders; after 1906, the declaration of intention, petition, and certificates are all on file (indexed online)

Newspapers on Microfilm - ranging from 1801 to 2014, with the bulk between 1824 and 2014; many are indexed for births, deaths, and marriages up to 1900 (indexes partially online). Recent obituaries indexed from 1989 to present

Veteran's Files - Veterans' information from the Revolutionary War to present (online). Some files in the archives include original photographs, military and biographical information, and newspaper clippings. You can order digital copies of these files via this form: Requesting Digital Copies.

Vital Records - This office does not hold official birth, death, and marriage certificates, with two exceptions: 1) Town Clerks' returns for birth, marriage, and death records for Caledonia through York, 1847 to 1849 (none for Avon or Ossian; some scattered); and 2) marriage records and/or indices from the County Clerk between 1908 to 1926 (online). New York State did not require town clerks to keep birth, death, and marriage records until 1880; after this date, birth and death records are available from the local registrar of the municipality where the event occurred. Marriage records are available from the Town Clerk where the marriage license was issued. If the location of these events is unknown, check Reclaim the Records to access an index.

NEW at the Historian's Office!

Coroner's Records, 1906-1936

November 2018

This series, the bulk from 1923-1936, primarily comprises detailed Coroner's Inquests and corresponding Coroner's Decisions. Because of the sensitive nature of these records, no index is published. Please contact us about a specific case.

Civil War Deserters, 1862-1863

September 2018

These valuable lists document men who were identified as deserting their regiments during the Civil War. View original images here!

Grants are now available for signage for public properties and historic districts that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places! The William G. Pomeroy Foundation can provide funding for a plaque or free-standing marker to identify the property's designation as a place of historical significance. View the website and application here. At this time, funding is not available for private residences or commercial properties. The County Historian's Office is happy to help facilitate applications; please contact us.

Medical Registers, c. 1873-1963

September 2018

Those with licenses to practice as physicians, surgeons, dentists, registered nurses, optometrists, and veterinarians registered with the Livingston County Clerk. Some of these records also give information when and where the individual was born and his or her education. Do you have a medical professional in your family tree? Search by name in our Online Records Index.

Wills Index, 1821-1935

July 2018

Browse our searchable PDF of wills to discover more about your ancestor's property, place of residence, family relationships, and more. Contact us for a copy.

Record of Inmates, Livingston County Almshouse, 1920-1934

April 2018

This register of residents at the County Almshouse, or Poorhouse, covers the beginning of the Great Depression era. It gives an exceptionally detailed view of those who were admitted and helps trace ancestors who may have slipped under the radar. Search by name on our Online Records Index, where this record book has been indexed by our wonderful intern.

Livingston County Cemeteries Photograph Survey, 2005

March 2018

Around 2005, former Lima Town Historian Doug Morgan photographed most major and minor cemeteries in Livingston County. These photographs are now indexed! Researchers can search the indexes here to locate burials and request specific digital images.

WW I Collection from the Livingston County Veteran Services Agency

June 2017

This collection of WW I papers may be of use to those planning to attend college

The La Verne Noyes Scholarship is for direct descendants of honorably discharged American veterans who served in World War I.

Eligible students apply through the colleges offering the scholarship, and they need to show proof of their lineage and of their ancestor's military service. This collection may help - please inquire!

Livingston County Vital Records, 1847 to 1849

November 2016

This exciting series includes Town Clerks' returns for birth, marriage, and death records for Caledonia through York, 1847 to 1849 (none for Avon or Ossian; some scattered). Since this remains the earliest source of vital records for Livingston County until about 1881, it is an incredible resource. All records in this series are indexed in the Ledger series through the Online Records Index.